Naturopathic / Internal Medicine

Naturopathy utilizes a holistic approach of natural therapies to heal and maintain health. Treatments are aimed at supporting the body's ability to mount a defense against disease on its own and to re-establish the basis for health. Naturopathic medicine treats the whole person, not just a symptom or a disease, resulting in actual resolution of the underlying cause instead of covering up the signs and symptoms of it. Pharmaceuticals and surgery are options, but are a last resort, as they are the most invasive and risky.

At CINH, we do not prescribe medications or provide injections, nor do we perform surgical procedures aside from suture removal.

Naturopathic Physicians obtain 4 years of post graduate medical training from an accredited institution, followed by an optional 1-2 year residency in a specialty of choice.

Dr. Patel follows the Naturopathic Principles in practicing medicine. They include:

The Healing Power of Nature
Trust in the body’s inherent wisdom to heal itself.
Identify and Treat the Causes
Look beyond the symptoms to the underlying cause.
First Do No Harm
Utilize the most natural, least invasive and least toxic therapies.
Doctor as Teacher
Educate patients in the steps to achieving and maintaining health.
Treat the Whole Person
View the body as an integrated whole in all its physical and spiritual dimensions.
Prevention
Focus on overall health, wellness and disease prevention.

Naturopathic therapies include:

Lifestyle Modification - the very first aspect that is addressed in respect to treatment are basic lifestyle changes. These include sleep habits, stress / stress management, exercise, hydration, alcohol intake, drug use, cigarette smoking, mental / spiritual health / stability, diet, environmental exposure elimination and wellness planning.
Western Botanicals - herbal remedies for many common conditions in the form of tinctures (alcohol based), glycerites (solid with glycerin from plants), pills (powdered / dried) and teas.
Hydrotherapy- hot and cold water treatments to increase circulation, reduce pain, optimize function and relieve congestion. Some of these therapies include peat packs, constitutional therapy, poultices, steam inhalations, Sitz baths and more.
Homeopathy - an old medicine that involves highly diluted remedies for a variety of symptoms based on the theory that "like-cures-like". A natural, effective manner in which to address many conditions and diseases, acute and chronic.
Musculoskeletal Adjusting - similar to chiropractic adjustments, Naturopathic Physicians are trained in physical manipulation of the joints to achieve a desired effect and mobilization of a specific joint.
Supplements - the use of high quality, professional grade, beneficial nutrients including vitamins and minerals that may be depleted in the body as well as those necessary during detoxification and when demands on the body are elevated due to disease. This includes macro and micro-nutrients.
Nutritional Counseling - balancing an appropriate intake of macro-nutrients and micro-nutrients including protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals via the diet for individual lifestyles. Food allergies / sensitivities are also addressed along with nutrition during pregnancy and other specific conditions along with detoxification.
Laboratory Testing - testing is ordered on an individual basis and blood is drawn in our clinic by individuals trained in phlebotomy. However, if basic blood work has not been analyzed in over 1 year, we strongly urge that you have this completed at our facility.
Pharmaceuticals - many Naturopaths in licensed states have pharmaceutical privileges, however, in Illinois, this is not within the scope of practice.
Minor Surgery - out patient surgeries are also common in other states, but in Illinois it is outside the scope of practice. Sutures, however, can be removed in our clinic.